Australian of the Year

Dr Richard Harris OAM and Dr Craig Challen SC OAMDr Richard Harris OAM from South Australia and Dr Craig Challen SC OAM from Western Australia are the 2019 Australians of the Year for their heroic efforts as part of an international rescue mission to save 12 boys from flooded caves in Thailand.

Senior Australian of the Year

Dr Suzanne Packer AMSince starting her career as a paediatrician in 1972, Dr Sue Packer AM has worked tirelessly to advocate for the rights of children. Sue has been a leader in child abuse prevention and treatment and a champion of the importance of early childhood environments for the developing brain.

Young Australian of the Year

Mr Danzal BakerWorking across rap, dance, acting and graffiti, Danzal Baker is a multi-talented, multi-lingual, Indigenous artist. He achieved mainstream success rapping in the Yolngu Matha language, coming 17th in Triple J’s Hottest 100 2017. He uses his talent to inspire Indigenous youth to embrace their culture and take up leadership positions.

Local Hero

Kate and Tick EverettFollowing the tragic death of their teenage daughter, Amy ‘Dolly’ Everett in January 2018, following extensive bullying, Kate and Tick Everett founded Dolly’s Dream to create positive change and a legacy to their daughter. Their advocacy has resulted in governments taking childhood bullying and its devastating impacts more seriously.

Latest news &announcements

2019 Australian of the Year Awards announced

25 January 2019

8:30pm, Canberra: Cave-diving medics who helped save a boys’ soccer team in Thailand, parents fighting childhood bullying after the loss of their daughter, a paediatrician advocating for the prevention of child abuse and a musician inspiring indigenous youth while keeping Yolngu Matha language alive through rap have been announced as the 2019 Australians of the Year.

National Finalists for 2019 Australian of the Year Awards announced

19 November 2018

The National Australia Day Council has now announced all the State and Territory Award recipients who are in the running for the 2019 Australian of the Year Awards, to be presented in Canberra on the evening of
Friday 25 January 2019.